Central America

Nestled in the heart of the Guanacaste Province, Palo Verde National Park is an integral part of SINAC's Tempisque Conservation Area. The park derives its name from the hardy palo verde shrub, an emblem of the resilience that characterizes this unique ecosystem. This national treasure is among the last bastions safeguarding the endangered tropical dry forests that once blanketed Central America.

The Pan-American Highway and the Inter-American Highway are intertwined road networks connecting the American continents. While they share similarities, they also have distinct characteristics and purposes. Their completion encounters a significant obstacle known as the Darién Gap.

Piedras Blancas National Park, located in southern Costa Rica, protects over 34,000 acres of evergreen primary forest, indigenous plants and wildlife. The park is home to a number of rare tropical trees and is the habitat for many species of birds, reptiles and mammals.

The Poás Volcano is an active stratovolcano in north-central Costa Rica with the world's second-largest volcanic crater. The volcano is located in Poás Volcano National Park, part of the Cordillera Volcánica Central Biosphere Reserve.

Nestled in the rugged northwestern corner of Costa Rica, the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and its eponymous national park stand as a testament to the country's rich natural heritage and commitment to preserving the wonders of the natural world. With its striking summit, this active volcanic complex is a true gem that beckons adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a deep connection with the Earth's raw power from around the world.

Located on the watershed of the Río Plátano, the Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site is one of the few remnants of tropical rainforest in Central America. With a diverse abundance of plants and wildlife within its landscape, over 2,000 indigenous people have preserved their traditional way of life.

Nestled in Nicaragua, the Río San Juan Biosphere Reserve encompasses a vast expanse across seven protected areas and adjacent territories. This expansive reserve is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems, serving as a vital sanctuary for rare and endangered species within the Mesoamerican tropics.

Nestled within the captivating Gulf of Honduras, a wide inlet of the Caribbean Sea, lies a tropical paradise – the Bay Islands. Among these islands, Roatán stands out as a jewel, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and rich natural heritage. This region, indenting the coasts of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, boasting a unique ecosystem with a diverse array of coastal marine waters, including estuaries, barrier beaches, lagoons, salt marshes, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, keys, and barrier reefs.

The Ruins of León Viejo, located in northwestern Nicaragua on the shores of Lake Xolotlán, are the remains of the oldest Spanish colonial city founded in the Americas. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the Ruins of León Viejo are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The San Blas Islands, also known as the Guna Yala Archipelago, is a stunning group of islands and cays along Panama's northeastern Caribbean coast. Guna Yala is an indigenous territory and home to the Guna people, one of Panama's most distinct and culturally rich indigenous groups.